1967 Fender Bandmaster: FINALLY.....A Cooperative Patient
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- čas přidán 18. 05. 2020
- After a long run of nightmarish repair challenges, I finally encounter an amp that responds well to my efforts: a beautiful, completely original 1967 Fender Bandmaster. After routine replacement of electrolytic caps and several carbon comp resistors, rewiring of the primary circuit, tremolo and bias supply tune ups, and output tube biasing, it sounds like a million bucks. No previous botching, continuous disasters, failing tubes and transformers, inexplicable hums and crackles, smoke or explosions......it simply emerges from surgery in perfect shape, ready for many more years of service to its lucky owner.
In addition, we will visit Jack and KC during their "cat naps", and take a ride in a 1934 Ford pickup with newly installed tunnel ram and dual Holley carbs.
If you enjoy advertising-free vintage amp videos like this one, please subscribe to our channel and consider becoming a Patreon patron at: / uncledougsvintageamps or making a PayPal contribution to: dldcam@aol.com. We would really appreciate it. Thanks for watching :) - Hudba
One of the best amps Fender made. I owned a '68 SF w/ the AB763 circuit and it was a jewel but had some issues. Sold it to buy my wife a Christmas present. Things we do for love. :)
Amen, Joseph ;)
Fender Vibrato and Paul Westerberg is pure bliss. Just like cruising in a VW 36hp Low Light Ghia.
Life is good :)
Hooray! Just when I was wondering if everything was ok over there.
We're doing just fine, Daniel. Thanks for your concern :)
Happy 74th I will be 64
Later in 2021. I hope you live long say 94
And still able to work on hotrods and amps
We out hear in ampaholic UTubeland
Like you and your work
DBJT
Thanks so much, Dwight :)
Warning! Watching UD and sipping a drink can be both hilarious and hazardous 🤣
Also for anyone sitting in front of you :)
Uncle Doug 😆
Keyboard-killing coffee spray is a real danger.
What an absolutely sweet sounding amp. You did it justice, and it honored us with its Presence :)
Thanks so much, Jules. That was definitely our goal :)
Thank you Doug. I have 2 Fender Bandmaster Heads that more than like need Recapping, It's amazing how much Techs charge for shop time on Tube Amps, Seems if they'd lower Service charges it'd equate to more business Thank you Uncle Doug. I love the sound of tube Amps.
You're welcome, Heen. Keep watching and maybe you'll be ready to perform your own basic maintenance.
Fender amps are incredibly tough ... And this one is beautiful.
Agreed....twice :) Thanks, TT.
I've never been much of a fan of CZcams'sters that include their pets in the video. But, in your case Uncle Doug, I've always been more accepting and never known quite why. I think today I finally have figured it out. I think Jack is much more relaxed and entirely more helpful than most pets. Other pets always seem to talk too much. But, Jack seems to know when it's best to hold his tongue and when it's time to express his humble opinion with less words and more action!
I tip my hat to you, Sir. Not only for having raised a fine companion; but, also for providing another thorough, instructive and easy to follow video!
Thank you for the service you provide mankind.
Thanks from both of us, Richard. I agree that other people's kids and pets are generally a nuisance and distraction.....but Jack was raised to be "seen and not heard", and thus is a trusted confidante :)
That's so evident! LOL!!
UNCLE DOUG!!! What a treat!
Thanks, Mike :)
Thanks for the drive. I could just hear Marty Robbins singing out loud and clear along the way.
Thanks for joining Marty and me, Jeff :)
Always good to see Jack and Casey. Oh, you too Uncle Doug. ;-)
Thanks, Lewis :)
A really sweet sound. Thanks, Jack & Ollie. (I don't get Unc's tremolo thing, but, hey. Keep the ol' fella amused, guys, the world's a better place...)
Thanks, Bill :)
I was just given a free AB763 Bandmaster head this past Monday. It had been left out in the shed for over 30 years, and there was enough dirt on it to grow potatoes! It's the early silverface with the little aluminum trim around the grill cloth. The tube chart says AB763, and sure enough, it checks out with the schematic to a "T" . No CBS silliness anywhere! thanks to your excellent presentation on your video, I was able to get this thing running, and blow out all of the gremlins (noise, crackling, hum, etc) in record time. For about $15 worth of parts and a few hours time, I am now the owner of a righteous Bandmaster that sounds like God shouting from the mountain top! Your advice and expertise are far advanced from what I know, and I must thank you a thousand times. Much respect and admiration to you sir!
It's great to hear that you put the video knowledge to good use, JP. Congratulations on a successful restoration :)
@@UncleDoug Thank you again, and I have to say that you had a hand in the process. My new old Bandmaster rocks the house.
Your the Man, all of us gear people love your work
Thanks, Steve :)
Thanks for the ride in the purple monster uncle Doug I needed to get out a bit What a machine
Allways a treat for a new video from Uncle Doug!!! The Ratrod is very nice !!! glad you are healthy and doing well ,awesome amp thankgod it made it with no damage
Thanks so much, Joe :)
Wow Uncle Doug. Valve amps and Hot Rods.
Looks like your'e living the dream. How cool.
I was worried about you Uncle Doug , glad you are all ok there . Love the Truck . It was funny you said damn it and a cop rolled up on the other side of the high way at the light. I know you said that about the light changing. Was funny.
Thanks. The camera doesn't miss anything, Marcus ;)
Thanks for all you do. You have helped me out so much with all your videos . Please don't stop. Keep on truckin.
Will do, Joseph.
I'm re-watching this video after recently buying a 1967 Deluxe Reverb. I really appreciate your thorough explanation of how the screen resistors and grid stoppers function. My brand-new to me amp had the v8 power tube fail in the first half hour of playing it, frying something inside and releasing gray smoke! At first, I was mortified that I had somehow killed the power transformer, until I opened up the chassis and saw the roasted screen resistor (which was already pretty dark). I remembered that you had talked about these before so I went back to find this video.
After watching this video explanation again, I know understand much better what happened. Thanks!
A burned screen resistor generally indicates a short within the tube, Wes. Replace the screen resistor and the tube.....and see if the problem doesn't disappear.
Wow, she was a real beauty on the inside.
Yes, indeed :)
I wasn't "worried".... but that CERTAINLY doesn't mean I wasn't desperate for a new Uncle Doug Video :)
i use to think Rusty spent to much time hanging around the garage with those rusty old trucks instead of practicing his guitar.but now I think Jack and Ollie have been coming up with some pretty enjoyable music.....thanks .....plus I hope you dont mind if I am using some of your material in some of my more humorous narratives
No problem, Phil. We probably stole it from someone else ;)
Glad you are keeping well and thanks for another interesting repair of a marvellous vintage Fender.
Stay well!
Thanks, you too!
I miss Texas every time you take us for a drive. Beautiful pickup truck!
This video came to my attention at the perfect time. I just bought a 66 Bandmaster online and am expecting to replace caps and so forth. I don't use vibrato so I usually ignore it but your walk through on this circuit has enticed me to check it on the new amp when it arrives.
Thank you for your excellent videos!
You're quite welcome, Thomas. Glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi UD, great job and... a very wise idea to bias at 60% . IMHO 1967 was the golden year for the Fender amps.
Amp sounds very good. Woaaww that truck ! At the first corner is was like a 747 waiting for lift off :-) Keep healthy Sir, Joseph ( Spain )
Thanks, Jose. I tend to be conservative with bias. It feels like a 747 once launched ;)
Great to see you're not afraid to put metal film resistors into vintage amps. I was just working on on a custom unit full of carbon comp resistors made in China. Every single resistor was out of tolerance by a long shot. Garbage. Your ride has that sound. Back in the day Thrush muffler ads used to call it "The Mellow GT Sound" Good times.
Thanks, John. I prefer them in the power supply and as grid and screen resistors. Although the '34 has exhaust pipes that go under the body (from the headers), they are simply straight pipes......no mufflers at all :)
Very happy and relieved to see another video from you, UD! Hope all is well with you and yours!!
Thanks, Greg. Never better.
I used to play through the exact same type of amp in the late 70s. The fuse holder used to get bumped and the end would fall off into the back of the cabinet. Beginning of the night I would reach around with bass in one hand to turn it on and my fingers would brush by the live fuse poking out the back. Zapped me many times!
You're lucky you weren't touching the bass strings at the same time, Dean. Glad you survived :)
Anther great video,'Uncle Doug'! I always' learn something from your videos',every time that I watch one!Glad you are doing well!Enjoyed the 'hot-rod' ride!Take Care!
Thanks for joining us, Charles :)
Your videos are the best content one can find on youtube. Greetings from Argentina.
Thanks, Nixo :)
At 13:25 if only shipping was that fast! LOL Great repair to make like new once again!🔊🎵🎵🎵
They do offer good service, HM. Thanks !!
Hey Doug, I'm finally a round to it. Thanks for video. BTW, I laughed out loud at the orange hand towels on your amp service rack. I grew up with the same set, can't forget what I wiped my hands on for decades.
Our pleasure, Craig. Watch our latest video to see your volt-amp monitor in action :)
@@UncleDoug Spoiler! I haven't watched the Magnatone rework video yet. Glad it help out in your tone restore quest.
Uncle Doug and a cuppa great way to start the day! thanks again for imparting more pearls of wisdom to the masses!
Nice to have you back Doug. Glad to hear you're in good health. F&T caps are awesome. Can't go wrong there. Rubio Golds are nice also (especially on tone, from my experience). I agree, too much money for the Other Ones (Sp.....).
Thanks, Bert. I agree :)
Nice to see you back
Doy gracias a Dios que esta bien de su salud. Muy buen video, me diverti mucho con los gatos y con el paseo en la camioneta, ademas de la actualización del Fender 1967. Saludos desde Argentina y que siga bien de salud y buen humor, Dios le Bendiga en todo momento!!. Angel Gabriel Gras.
Apreciamos tus amables palabras, Angel. Los gatos y yo te deseamos la mejor salud, felicidad ... y éxito en todos tus proyectos.
Sounds like a bunch of helicopters taking off. Great sound, the amp wasn't bad either. Stay safe, I look forward to many more entertaining videos. It is now officially beer o'clock, here, across the pond.
Thanks, Steve. I think I'll join you :)
UD can magically make new parts appear in an instant. Guess that's gotta come in handy!
Indeed. Now if I could only make that happen with my stimulus check ;)
Cactus and car are both beautiful !!
Thanks, Bert :)
The sound of this one ended up Superb. great vid UD, thanks!
Glad you liked it, K. Thanks !!
Always a treat to see a new Uncle Doug video - hope lockdown hasen't been too much of a trial for you & your loved ones.
Thanks, Spud. It's actually not much of a change. I generally spend several hours in the workshop daily and then take a spin in a hot rod for some fresh air.......pre and post quarantine ;)
That truck looks & sounds fantastic! The amp isn’t bad either. ☺️ Nice part of the US to take a drive in too…been fortunate to spend some time in the general area.
Thanks, David. Yes, there are lots of open spaces to "stretch your legs" in a hot rod :)
With all those indulged felines to attend to I'm glad you still have time to diagnose Fender problems UG - those cats seem to be quite demanding of your time. I'm pleased they're still willing to test your repairs once completed though! I enjoyed the ride at the very end. I always have to drive, but not in such style I'll admit. Great vid UD thank you. Hope you're doing well at this time.
Thanks so much, Guy. We appreciate the nice comments and are doing quite well. Hopefully, you are too :)
Love the videos! Thank you
Thank you for the trip with your car 👍very nice 👌I enjoy your videos. Greetings to the Cats!
Thanks for watching!
As usual, well done, sir!
The Bandmaster looks so pristine, I thought it was a reissue.
It was a nice one, R5.
Thanks Uncle Doug, that was great as usual: love the test tunes.
Nice to hear from you Doug! a nice ride after another fine job!
Another great Uncle Doug video. Can’t wait for the next one.
Oh happy new year! I was wondering how you were, thanks for everything. from France
Thank you for posting!!! I know how much work this is!!!!
You're welcome, Ivan. This one went better than most.
it is good to hear you are ok, Uncle Doug!
Nice clean work!
Cool amp Doug you do nice work!and thanks for the ride!Cheers
"Optimize what you got, and make it work like it used to." Wise words as I approach my dotage. Good to have you back, Uncle Doug. We missed you.
Thanks, Allan. It's good to be back.
Awesome work uncle Doug!
Thanks, Demian.
Uncle Doug is the hickok45 of tube amps.
Good video partner.
High praise indeed, Smithii. Thanks :)
Got one just like that that needs your attention Uncle Doug
I hope it's as easy to repair, WE.
Welcome back and certainly missed your informative videos.
It's good that you're ok. We were worried sick.
I'm sorry, Jeff, and I really appreciate your concern.
Thank you. I enjoy all your videos. I appreciate the work that goes into each one.
We appreciate your kind words, Rich.
Real nice...and yes really clean rig..nice job!
As to the output transformer being loose: "flappin in the breeze as we say in the amp biz". Too much Uncle Doug. You're a gem.
Thanks, Monte :)
good to see back Uncle . Go the rod.
Spirits lifted again with a new Uncle Doug video. My favorite type of oxygen.
Two "DAMMITS" in one video, a California "STOP"... and a beautiful amp! GLAD to see that you're well Uncle Doug!
We're headed straight to hell, I guess......but at least we'll get there quickly ;) Thanks, Brad.
Glad to see you well. Awesome video and lovely scenery around you.
Thanks twice, Tim :)
Thanks Doug, Great video as always.
Thanks, Martin.
Great job on both the amp and the car, as always! Loved the ride along, thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it, Andy :)
Tks for another amazing video with two of my favorite stuff....valve amps and engines...that engine sound it's just a dream...stay safe!
Glad to see you back uncle Doug! Nice video btw, amp and rod...
You are a great and genorus man for sharing your knowledge we appreciate it very much
I love your adjustable wooden test stand! Another great video
Welcome back Doug. I missed watching your videos. Can't wait for the next one.
Always a pleasure... thank you uncle doug🙋🏻♂️
The pleasure was ours, RH :)
Great video as always!
Glad you enjoyed it, Dave.
Another awesome repair & damn that rod runs sweet! Thanks Uncle Doug! Stay safe!
Thanks, James. You too :)
Thanks again.. and thanks for the Ride ... Nice Ride by the way.
Our pleasure, BM.
Hi uncle Doug, great seeing you sharing your knowledge and vids again, and stay safe.
Thanks, Vince. Will do.
Hi Doug. Thank you
That was a really great show.. I've missed your content. Glad your all well..
Thanks, Kerry. You too, I hope.
Love the video! Both the Fender and the fenderless sound amazing!! Cheers!
Thanks twice, Rick.
Thanks Uncle Doug! I always learn something good.
That's our goal, Shaun.
Geez uncle Doug you have a fun life. Fixing great amps and driving classics across the Rio Grande. You are blessed, thanks for your great video uploads.
Thanks, Keith. The best part is hearing from all our great viewers :)
That amp sound amazing! Great video as always ,thanks for all your videos ,i'm fixing an old italian tube amp and i've learned a lot just watching you work! 👍🏻
Great to hear, A81. Good luck with your project.
@@UncleDoug thank you ! Hopefully i will finish it soon👍🏻
this thing just survived the greatest threat ever to its existence; demand that this owner buy a road case & send it for the return & all future moves of the amp - it's worth thousands surely
It was quite lucky to survive......and from my experience, such luck rarely repeats itself.
Another excellent Video Uncle Doug!!
Thanks, Big Joe.
Great video Doug, thanks for this one. lots of memories as I built my first amp from a Xerox copy of a Bandmaster schematic I got from a friends Dad who was a TV repairman back in 1968. Bent my own chassis in metal work at school and bought Fender transformers from the Fender distributor in Canada which was local to me. I remember I had to wait to save the money to buy the neon-resistor for the tremolo circuit it was one of the most expense parts in the build at the time. I think you should of pointed out to your viewers that you can date the transformers by the mfg. date code 606 is Schumacher which all three were sourced from the 606-630 would be 30th week of 1966. The 606-6-38 the 38th week of 1966 and the output transformer 606-6-42 is the 42nd week of 1966. This would give great weight that all the transformers are originak to the amp. Again an other great job and hope to see more tube amp videos in the future.
Thanks for your very nice comments and information, Bill.
Good job Uncle Doug!
I hope your doing good,
staying safe and healthy!
Thanks, Ronnie. You too, I hope.
Thanks Uncle Doug for another GREAT VIDEO! Glad your OK...
You're welcome, Wayne. Thanks !!
Hey that was great Doug, thanks again and stay safe man in these crazy times
You bet, Alec :)
Glad you're doing well. Great job on the amp and the hot rod. That engine purrs very nicely!
Thanks, GL. It learned the purring from Jack :)
Hot rod looks great Uncle Doug! Fantastic work on the Bandmaster as well.
Thanks twice, Jake.
One good looking Bandmaster there I must say, great job Uncle Doug!
Thanks, Phil.
YES! Thanks Uncle Doug! Now I feel better! Glad you are safe and sound!
We appreciate your concern, DK.
Glad to hear that you're feeling well. I always love to see a Bandmaster. Great playing at the end. Thanks Uncle Doug.
Thanks, Rohan.......glad you enjoyed it.
we all love uncle doug
Thanks, Ian. Jack & I are flattered :)